Peace and grace in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Revelation 2:9
2:9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I knowthe blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but area synagogue of Satan.
The condition of congregation in Smyrna is in tribulation, poverty, blasphemy. They experience the flesh suffering together with Jesus (cross experience).
Why does God let this condition happen?
1 Peter 2:19
2:19 For this iscommendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
God lets us experience the death together with Jesus for receiving His mercy that is priceless that costs the blood of Jesus.
The practices of receiving the mercy are as follows:
God blesses us.
Revelation 2:9
2:9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I knowthe blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but area synagogue of Satan.
The condition of congregation in Smyrna is in tribulation, poverty, blasphemy. They experience the flesh suffering together with Jesus (cross experience).
Why does God let this condition happen?
1 Peter 2:19
2:19 For this iscommendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.
God lets us experience the death together with Jesus for receiving His mercy that is priceless that costs the blood of Jesus.
The practices of receiving the mercy are as follows:
- Believing or faith in Jesus who has died, risen, and ascended to heaven.
Philippians 1:29
1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
2 Corinthians 5:7-9
5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
5:9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
The proofs are as follows:- We live by seeing God, not by earthly things. This is hearing the true teaching Word.
- Being strong or not disappointed facing everything but trusting and hoping to God, giving thank to Him.
- Living in God’s way always. This is living in righteousness; we become the instruments of righteousness, serve and minister God in faithfulness and righteousness.
10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
The result is we are saved, not punished. We are blessed and cared directly by God. - Being willing to suffer because of Jesus.
Philippians 1:29
1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
The example is being willing to suffer because of defending the true teaching Word (the persona of Jesus), serving God in right consecration, and the name of Jesus.
1 Peter 4:12-14
4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
4:14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you,for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
God will pour the Spirit of Glory or Holy Spirit in our life.
The functions of the Spirit of Glory or Holy Spirit are as follows:- Holy Spirit as of fire renews us from carnal man to spiritual one like Jesus.
Acts 2:1-4
2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and onesat upon each of them.
2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
It starts from tongue is renewed to become honest. Honesty starts from the true teaching, confessing the sin, in marriage, finance, until in everything. We say yes if it is yes, and no if it is no.
We use the tongue to testify and worship God with a broken heart and other tongue like gold bells at the edge of the robe of high priest that ring beautifully.
Then, our tongue can taste the sweet wine starts in marriage. Holy Spirit makes everything beautiful in due time, everyone is joyful. - The Spirit of Glory makes physical miracle.
John 11:38-40
11:38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
11:39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been deadfour days.”
11:40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”
Lazarus who had died for four days could be raised. It means everything that is ruined will become good; something that decays will be beautiful in time. Every problem can be solved even the impossible one.
If Jesus comes a second time, the last miracle will happen that we are changed to become as glorious as He is; we are lifted up to glorious clouds together with Him, until we enter New Jerusalem forever.
- Holy Spirit as of fire renews us from carnal man to spiritual one like Jesus.
God blesses us.